Every time someone asks me where I’m located and I tell them that I pretty much bounce from city to city, the look they give me is priceless. It’s usually one of awe and aspiration. Many even find it inspiring. And while I live a great life and it works for me, I think it would be wrong if I didn’t mention some of the downsides to doing something like this. Here are the downsides that I experience.
Exhaustion: This one is probably the hardest for me. Photographing a wedding is a very tiring task. Being on your feet from 8-10 hours, lugging around equipment, climbing on chairs, crouching in awkward positions…it takes a toll on the body. THEN, I have to drag luggage through the airport, sit on a cramped plane for a few hours, try to avoid catching germs, navigate a city and then pack up and do it all over again. It’s exhausting.
Loneliness: I thrive in solitude. Actually, I need a certain amount of solitude or I’ll go crazy. Even for someone like me, this is a lonely life. To do the complete opposite of what most people are doing, it can make you feel like an outsider, even when you’re around people that you’ve known forever. I’m fortunate that I can use this feeling to put me in a space that allows me to create. I wrote some of my best stuff the other day when I was dealing with this feeling.
Relationships: I went out with a guy that I used to date the other day. Eventually we reached a point in the conversation where he asked me, “Is this something that we could try again.” To which I questioned, “Would you be ok with me not being here often?” I already know the answer. Maybe there will be someone that comes along that can, but I know that someone like that is rare. And I’m honestly not willing to trade this in for anyone right now.
Stability:
Routine:
I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. For me, the pros definitely outweigh these few things. I just wanted to add a dash of reality to the “glamorous life.”
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Nicki Sunshine
2 years ago
GO you! for doing what you really want to do right now.
shannon
2 years ago
Thanks Nicki!
Rhona
2 years ago
I totally understand the loneliness issue. I was often alone while away and although I love my space and me time (very important) I wished I had someone to talk to…sometimes.
Keep on doing what makes you happy.
Rhona´s last blog ..Do you have a life plan?